JOHN The Beloved Disciple
JOHN WAS AN APOSTLE and, along with Peter and James, a member of Jesus’ inner circle (Mark 9:2-3, 14:33). Tradition tells us that John lived a long and fruitful life in service to the Lord, eventually suffering persecution and exile in his old age. However, in his story about Jesus, John prefers to refer to himself simply as “the disciple Jesus loved” (John 13:23). We are first introduced to him as he sits close to Jesus at the Last Supper. Here his close proximity to Jesus is highlighted—being next to the one holding a feast is an honorable position. But it is more than that: It is an expression of intimacy.
Next we find the beloved disciple at the foot of Jesus’ cross with Mary, Jesus’ mother, where she is entrusted by Jesus into John’s care (19:26-27). Unlike the other eleven disciples, John risked his life to be at the cross with Jesus. It’s likely that he was also there for Mary, who he knew would be suffering unbearable pain as she watched her son die a horrific death.
Later, John was alongside Peter as they ran to the tomb after Mary Magdalene informed them it was empty (20:2-9). He was the first to arrive and was the first person recorded as believing in Jesus’ resurrection (20:8). Although not identified in his usual way, he was among the disciples who were present at the Sea of Galilee when Jesus made a post-resurrection appearance (21:1-2).
Finally, the disciple whom Jesus loved was the topic of conversation between Jesus and Peter (21:20-23). After this, the disciple identified himself as the author of this Gospel (21:24-25).
If you could be remembered for anything, what would it be?
John was a remarkable man. He was a faithful friend, caregiver, evangelist, and believer. However, based on his self-identification in this book, it seems what he wanted to be remembered for was his close relationship with Jesus. He was “the disciple Jesus loved.”
If we could be remembered for anything, what would it be? We are all loved by God. John understood that this was the most important thing about his identity.